NXTHVN Executive Director

The Organization
NXTHVN was founded in 2018 by acclaimed artist Titus Kaphar and impact investor Jason Price. NXTHVN stands as a groundbreaking institution that uniquely combines the best of arts and entrepreneurship. Through access, education, programming, and impact investing, NXTHVN launches the careers of artists and curators while simultaneously strengthening the livelihood of its local community. The organization operates with a $1.5 million annual budget and is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors.

The Mission
Create groundbreaking educational and professional opportunities; and deliver resources, knowledge, and capital to underrepresented professional artists, curators, and members of the surrounding Dixwell community.

The Opportunity
The Executive Director (ED) will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for NXTHVN, ensuring a strong and sustainable business model to fulfill its mission and expand its impact. The ED will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization, including fundraising, financial management, strategic planning, community engagement, and organizational development.

NXTHVN is in a critical stage of development, and the Executive Director will be responsible for ensuring the organization is fiscally and administratively sound by aligning operations, communications, programs, partnerships, and development efforts with the mission, Board policies, and community needs. The ED will serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for NXTHVN, representing the organization to donors, partners, community members, business leaders, and the broader arts and cultural sector.

The ideal Executive Director must effectively balance internal organizational requirements with external relationship building. The ED should also be an outstanding facilitator, collaborator, and communicator who can gain the trust and confidence of founders, staff, Board members, program participants, partners (both existing and potential), funders, and other stakeholders.

Compensation
The salary for this position is $175,000-$200,000 annually. NXTHVN provides comprehensive benefits, including health/dental insurance (employee contributory), and PTO and holidays in addition to a supportive and dynamic work environment. NXTHVN is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and does not discriminate in
employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership, parental status, military status, or any other non-
merit factor.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership and Vision
The ED will lead the development and implementation of strategic plans and initiatives, ensuring alignment between programs, operations, and organizational mission. A key aspect of this role involves fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement throughout the organization. The ED will also build and maintain strategic partnerships that advance the organization’s goals and enhance its impact in the arts community and beyond.

Financial Management and Fundraising
The Executive Director will oversee the organization’s financial health, including budget development, financial planning, and fiscal management. The ED will steward NXTHVN’s strong, existing institutional and individual funder relationships and cultivate new relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and government agencies to secure the resources needed to sustain and grow the organization. Developing and implementing strategies to diversify and expand revenue streams will be essential to ensuring NXTHVN’s long-term sustainability. The ED will ensure compliance with all financial reporting requirements and best practices, working with the Board of Directors to develop and implement sound financial policies and procedures, including development of clearly articulated key performance indicators (KPIs).

Community Engagement and External Relations
As the primary spokesperson and ambassador for NXTHVN, the Executive Director will build and maintain strong relationships with the Dixwell community and other stakeholders. The ED will represent the organization at community events, conferences, and other forums, articulating NXTHVN’s mission, values, and impact. Developing and maintaining partnerships with other arts organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and community groups will be crucial to expanding NXTHVN’s reach. The ED will oversee communications and marketing efforts to raise NXTHVN’s profile locally and nationally, ensuring consistent messaging that effectively communicates the organization’s unique value proposition.

Operational and Administrative Leadership
The Executive Director will oversee the day-to-day operations of the 40,000-square-foot creative campus and adjacent fellows’ housing, ensuring these facilities support NXTHVN’s programmatic goals and provide an inspiring environment for artists, curators, and community members. The ED will develop and implement policies, systems, and procedures to ensure efficient and effective operations across all aspects of the organization. This includes recruiting, supervising, and evaluating staff, providing opportunities for professional development and growth to build a high-performing team. The ED will foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative organizational culture that reflects NXTHVN’s values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements will also be an important aspect of this role.

Programmatic Leadership
Working closely with the Director of Programs and Exhibitions, the Executive Director will oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of all programs. The ED will ensure programs align with NXTHVN’s mission and meet the needs of artists, curators, and the community. This includes identifying opportunities to enhance existing programs and develop new initiatives that further NXTHVN’s mission. The ED must stay informed about trends and best practices in the arts, entrepreneurship, and community development fields to ensure NXTHVN remains at the forefront of innovation in these areas.

Board Relations
The Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors to advance the organization’s mission and goals, providing regular reports and updates on organizational activities, finances, and strategic initiatives. The ED will support Board development and engagement, helping to build a strong governance structure that enhances NXTHVN’s effectiveness and sustainability. The ED will be responsible for implementing Board policies and decisions, ensuring clear communication between the Board and staff, and leveraging Board members’ expertise and networks to benefit the organization.

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred
• Minimum 10 years of increasing responsibility at a senior level of organizational leadership required, including management of staff
• Demonstrated success in nonprofit management, preferably arts, cultural, or community-based organizations
• Fluency in nonprofit finance
• Proven track record of successful fundraising and donor cultivation
• Experience overseeing capital projects and physical facilities
• Demonstrated success aligning resources with strategic goals in an organization known to deliver innovative artistic and educational programs

Application Instructions

Application Instructions:
The Executive Director search is being conducted on behalf of NXTHVN by Tom O’Connor Consulting Group, a New York-based executive search and consulting firm specializing in the arts and culture industries. The search is being led by VP, Organizational Strategy Edie Demas, in consultation with President Tom O’Connor and with support from the TOCG search team.

To apply, visit the online application (https://www.tomocgroup.com/jobs-listing/nxthvn-executive-director) and submit your materials. Your cover letter should include any training or experience relevant to the job profile that you would like to highlight, why you consider yourself a good fit for this opportunity, and anything else you’d like us to know about your qualifications that may not be present in your resume.

Applications will be accepted until this role is filled. They encourage you to apply by May 30, 2025, for priority consideration. Interviews may begin at any time, and they encourage you to apply as early as possible for best consideration. Please note that applying before the priority deadline does not guarantee an interview, and all applicants will receive a response regarding the consideration and status of their candidacy. No phone calls, please.

Not sure you meet 100% of the qualifications? Research shows that cis men apply for jobs when they fulfill an average of 60% of the criteria, while others tend only to apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, they encourage you to apply.

They are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. So, whether you’re returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, they will be glad to have you on their radar.